Simulation of Solvent Extraction Circuits for the Separation of Rare Earth Elements

The separation of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) is an important step in the valorization REE ore and aims at producing individual rare earth compounds for market. carried out industrially by solvent extraction (SX) using interconnected circuits consisting cascades mixer-settlers. design a circuit implies selection operating conditions number mixer-settlers required to achieve target degree purity separated elements. This work either piloting or mathematical simulation. Independent method, world expertise this area limited. paper describes simulation method requiring minimum calibration effort, which can be used complete plant. enables assessment effect per extraction, scrubbing stripping stage, as well pH aqueous solution organic-phase contents free loaded extractant on REEs. tool presented here has been developed from fundamental analysis chemical reactions involved process. Unlike most methods documented literature, requires no empirical calibration. proposed validated data laboratory batch tests with published continuous pilot industrial circuits. application illustrated planning test forthcoming 9-REE product SX